Certificate of Conformity

All countries require documentation for importing products from international borders and certain regulations need to be adhered to which help in ensuring quality, conformity, and safety of the consumers. These requirements vary from country to country. These requirements shall include region-wise standards like the EU CE mark and China Compulsory Certificate Mark, COC, PVoC, Declaration of Conformity (DOC), and warranty certificate.

For example, your customers or buyers may need CoC when selling your products to different markets (such as the United States, China, or European countries). Usually, without a certificate of conformity, you may face the problem and even be unable to put your product on the market.

Importance and Purpose of COC

Certain countries request COC depending upon the categories of the product which it pertains to for regulatory compliance and customs clearance. For example, many buyers and customers would ask for showcasing certificate of COC while the products are being sold to them. This helps them identify that the manufacturing company has followed the norms for placing the product in the market. The absence of COC can even lead to products being impounded or confiscated.

COC for Kenya

The role of importers and exporters of Kenya is to know the requirements of the consignment which is being transported especially inside the country. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) is the regulatory body that provides standardization and conformity assessment services. Some of the departments include the Food and Agriculture Department which is responsible for the development of standards covering food technologies, food safety, fertilizers, agricultural produce, livestock products, poultry products, etc.

The main objective of the PVOC (Pre Export Verification Conformity to Standard) program which started on 29th September 2005 by KEBS was to ensure no deceptive trade practices were being followed, to safeguard the national interest and security of the state, and to prevent the dumping of goods in the country.

COC for Morocco

The COC was introduced for the protection of the interest of Morocco consumers in terms of safety, and quality and to facilitate trade. The goods which fall under the ambit of conformity-regulated products are :

• Chemicals such as detergents, paint, bitumen, etc.
• Gas, oil appliances, automotive spare parts, building products.
• Textile, clothing apparel, shoes, etc.
• Motor vehicle spare parts, electronic products
• Construction materials – Wire rod, Steel bars for reinforcement of concrete, Wood panel

SGS has been appointed by the Ministry of Trade in Morocco to implement the VoC (Voice of Customer) program for industrial products and all clothing fabric products shall acquire CoC before leaving the country of origin . SGS is the testing, verification, and certification company that safeguards the interest of the consumers of Morocco in terms of quality and integrity.

COC for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe is mandated by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce to execute the Zimbabwe Consignment-Based Conformity Assessment program for General Goods. The regulated goods include :

• 1. Food and Agriculture goods
• 2. Petroleum and Fuel
• 3. Body care and health products
• 4. Electronic products
• 5. Clothing and Textile
• 6. Insecticides, Pesticides, rodenticides, fungicides, herbicides, and similar

Cotecna is the body authorized by the Zimbabwe Ministry of Industry and Commerce to issue Certificates of Conformity for exports of regulated products to Zimbabwe. Cotecna’s mandate consists of issuing Certificates of Conformity (COC) for regulated goods inspected at the Zimbabwe borders and other entry ports. The main objective of this program is to better protect consumers from substandard, counterfeit, and potentially dangerous goods.

Other African countries also require COC certification for importing and exporting regulated products which include Algeria, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and many other countries, and 4PL covers every major African country which attracts COC certification.

4PL has vast experience in delivering conformity assessment services, including in Africa and the Middle East. We have a devoted team of professionals which makes us a one-stop shop for worldwide certifications, immediate access to your order, and custom-tailored solutions for your queries.